So in other words, the age of that water is about 1870 on average. The time variables in the water cycle, therefore, have major impacts for the management of water resources, especially when we want to better understand and limit the effects from contamination and pollution.

How old is the water?

There is also geological evidence that helps constrain the time frame for liquid water existing on Earth. A sample of pillow basalt (a type of rock formed during an underwater eruption) was recovered from the Isua Greenstone Belt and provides evidence that water existed on Earth 3.8 billion years ago.

Why is there a water shortage?

Water shortages may be caused by climate change, such as altered weather patterns including droughts or floods, increased pollution, and increased human demand and overuse of water. Water scarcity is being driven by two converging phenomena: growing freshwater use and depletion of usable freshwater resources.

Will we run out of freshwater?

While our planet as a whole may never run out of water, its important to remember that clean freshwater is not always available where and when humans need it. In fact, half of the worlds freshwater can be found in only six countries. Also, every drop of water that we use continues through the water cycle.

Can we drink still water?

When you leave the glass of water uncovered for about 12 hours, carbon dioxide in the air starts to mix with it. This reduces the pH level of the water and gives it an off taste. But even then this water is safe to drink.